The Art Behind the Sound of "The Complete Bari Sessions"
- Amalia Baraona
- Jul 26
- 3 min read
A successful recording project requires skilled, dedicated, and talented musicians. While this is true, the essence of an exceptional recording lies in the expertise of a proficient sound engineer. These professionals combine art and technology and are responsible for every sound, from the initial recording to the nuanced mixing and mastering processes.
One such sound engineer is Massimo Stano, whose exceptional skills played a vital role in crafting my latest album, "The Complete Bari Sessions." His outstanding technical and personal abilities were essential for me as a vocalist. I usually experience stress when recording in the studio, but Massimo's calm demeanour and attentive care provided comfort throughout the process. He understood me, he understood my voice, and with a simple sentence, "tu hai bisogno di calma" (you need a calm surrounding), Massimo made everything better!
The Art of Sound Engineering
Located in Bari, Italy, at the MAST recording studio, Massimo Stano has honed his skills over many years. His work with artists from various genres demonstrates his versatility and creativity, establishing him as a highly sought-after expert. I was fortunate to collaborate with him! He came highly recommended by all the musicians who participated in The Bari Sessions and by Genaro Mele, a close friend and renowned sound engineer from Bari, who was responsible for the sound of my first two albums, "Mulheres" and "Menescantando," recorded 15 years ago.
Following the release of "The Complete Bari Sessions", Fred Polet, the host of the long-running Brazilian Blend, a weekly one-hour Brazilian music show on ORTS, a local radio station in Oosterhout, The Netherlands, remarked, "The recording sound quality of the studio that you used sounds superb. I give it a 10. I cannot say that of all the thousands of albums that I have here. The album has a very clear and natural sound. It can't be any better than this."
Recording
Massimo’s recording methods are a wonderful blend of creativity and precision. This groundwork is vital, as it sets the tone for everything that follows. In “The Complete Bari Sessions,” Massimo Stano's sharp ear enabled him to capture perfectly and to preserve our emotions, mirroring the warm sound of our Bossa Nova and jazz repertoire in each note. He crafted the recording space, creating an environment that encouraged us to express ourselves in a relaxed way.
Mixing
Mixing is the art of balancing, and Massimo expertly balanced levels and added effects that enhance the overall sound. “The Complete Bari Sessions” achieved a cohesive sound across the three separate recording sessions conducted in February, May, and November 2024, while still allowing each track's uniqueness to shine. For instance, tracks with lively percussion enhance the vocals without overpowering them. This careful mixing captures nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Editing
Editing involves refining recordings by removing imperfections while staying true to the performance. Massimo's meticulous ear allowed him to enhance the overall quality while preserving the authenticity of the music. During the editing stage of the album, Massimo took time to polish each track, ensuring that no emotional nuance was lost.
Mastering
Mastering is the last step in making a record, ensuring that everything sounds consistent and really polished. Massimo made the music shine! With careful tweaks, he got “The Complete Bari Sessions” ready to go out! And through the whole journey, Massimo was always there to answer any questions I had, no matter how small.
The Conclusion
I'm hooked on Massimo Stano!
Next time you listen to "The Complete Bari Sessions" or any other album of your choice, take a moment to appreciate the hard work of the behind-the-scenes heroes who make it all possible. It is with talented engineers like Massimo Stano that music continues to flourish. So turn up the volume, and let the music sweep you away!
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